We went to the local grocer and purchased a potted hyacinth plant, which contained 3 bulbs that had bloomed ($7.00) and a bouquet of mixed spring stems ($7.00).

Project 1Bouquets for Ladies Tea

Take time to relax and catch up with close friends this spring. Invite over your closest friends, your siblings, your in-laws, whoever – and make them feel right welcomed and cherished with a personalized bouquet.

We wanted these bouquets to be multi-purpose so we grabbed our 1 Liter Carafes to hold the stems.

We also found some ribbon (reused from a potpourri bag) to hold name tags on to the vases. The name tags were cut out of brown paper bags (which were free from the grocer’s check-out).

To make the tags we first sketched out a tag shape (download a printable tag of your own here). We cut through both sides of the bag, giving us two tag shapes each. We did this so we could write little notes on the inside of the tag. Write their names on the outside and a cute note on the inside, hole punch and attach to the carafe.

Project 2Rustic Charm

We chose a collection of 4 bud vases in various heights. We picked out three rather tall stems from the bouquet and one that was shorter and fuller.

For the fuller stem we needed to remove some of the lower leaves and growth, but saved them for another small project.

By using an earthy color palette and not following standard floral arrangement rules, we create an interesting, minimal and rustic look. This would look great next to a tub full of sodas in glass bottles or a buffet table of desserts.

Project 3Big Charm in Small Places

If you have minimal counter space and you still want to add pops of nature to the display this idea is for you.

We have been saving used candle jars for just such an occasion. Remember those trimmings we saved from Project 2? Here’s where they’ll come in handy. Using short stems of filler and leaves and rocks, create small vignettes in miniature jars. These will look perfect among food displays or next to beverage stations. Inter-mix them with candles for a romantic effect.

Project 4Lofty Sunnies

Sunflowers can make a big impact with their height. Don’t worry though, if you don’t have a tall vase to put them in. We chose 3 pieces of tall and skinny beverageware, our Soho Collection. You could also use our 4” or 6” Kendl Tapered Vases.

We used what is called “cullet” from our factory, but you can pick up a similar looking product in the floral section. You could also use tiny seed beads from the craft isle.

First, we filled the glasses/vases with the filler/cullet.
Then, we pushed the sunflower stems down into the material. This makes a snug fit around the flower and holds it upright.

Align them down the center of a table or on a shelf for a modern touch and new sense of visual height.

Project 5Ditch the Plastic

We bought those hyacinths, remember? We decided we didn’t like that pot they were in, and we weren’t ready to plant them in the garden just yet. So, we temporarily transplanted them into pieces of beverageware that we’ve been collecting.

Maybe you have some collections of vintage glassware or some pieces that no longer have match. Use these pieces of glass to create an interesting display that kicks those hyacinths up a notch.

Display them while you have guests over and after the party you can plant them in the ground.

**Don’t forget, that once the flowers turn brown, you can dig up that bulb, store it in a brown paper bag and replant next year.

Project 6Housewarming Gift

Do you know someone who just settled into their new home?
Maybe a newlywed couple?

Instead of flowers, opt for kitchen gadgetry!

Whether they’ve registered for gifts or you know what they’re in need of, use a collection of items to create a lovely display.

Vase too tall? Purchase some fabric napkins in their favorite color(s), roll them up and use as a base for you gadget bouquet.